Austria – My Brief Overview
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It has a population of about 9 million people and covers roughly 84,000 square kilometers (32,000 square miles).
Although small, it is perfectly formed and very diverse.
The Alps dominate the western and southern regions, while the Danube River flows through the Northern plains.

- I visited Vienna as a solo female traveller and absolutely loved this city. Check out everything I learned and did so you can plan your trip. My site contains affiliate links – I only recommend things I genuinely use.
- Walz through Vienna like a local with my guides and tips
Key Places in Austria
Here are some of the must-visit places in Austria:
- Vienna:
- Vienna is famous for being the imperial capital. It’s chock full of amazing building
- There are grand palaces such as Schonbrunn & Hofburg and beautiful architecture throughout the city
- The museum district is amazing
- The coffee culture (although I would add cakes too) is also fabulous
- Salzburg:
- This is where Mozart was born
- It is chock full of Baroque architecture
- If like me you are a musical fan this was the setting for “The Sound of Music” (there are of course Sound of Music tours!)
- Innsbruck:
- This alpine city has hosted the Winter Olympics twice
- It’s great for winter sports and for accessing the stunning mountain scenery
- Hallstatt:
- This picturesque lakeside village in the Salzkammergut region is stunning
- The Traditional wooden houses arereflected in crystal-clear waters
- Graz:
- Graz is actually Austria’s second-largest city
- It features a UNESCO listed old town and vibrant culinary scene too

What Austria Is Famous For
Austria is famous for several things:
- Classical music heritage:Mozart, Strauss, Haydn, Schubert
- Alpine skiing
- Viennese coffee houses
- Sacher torte and apple strudel
- Lipizzaner horses
- Architectural grandeur: Spanning Gothic to Art Nouveau
The country has also made significant contributions to art (Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele) and psychology (Sigmund Freud)
Check out my related Vienna resources for all you need to plan your trip 👇
All My Related Vienna Resources
- Check out my guide to whether Vienna is worth visiting (it is but here’s why)
- Discover the best time to visit Vienna
- Here’s my guide to safety in Vienna including how it compares to other places
- Check out all the ways you can get to the Vienna from the UK
- Here are the costs from my trip to Vienna so you can see how it compares
- If you are going to Vienna Airport then fit in a visit to the airport lounge – it’s fab
- Here’s my detailed review of the hop on hop off sightseeing bus including costs & routes
- Check out my review of the lovely apartment I stayed in near the Danube River
- Check out my top recommendations of where to stay in Vienna for first time visitors
Vienna Travel Resources & Travel Essentials
Check out all the travel resources you need to plan your trip to Vienna – it’s everything I use when I plan travel
Check out all my tried and tested travel essentials – everything I use when I travel anywhere
Selected posts title
-
Where To Stay in Vienna 2026 – My Handpicked Hotels For You
Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 01:05 pm I’ve fallen in love with Vienna and can’t wait to get back. I loved my first stay in Vienna as a solo traveller and staying by the Danube was perfect for me. As someone who has spent over 36 years travelling I know that where you… Read More »Where To Stay in Vienna 2026 – My Handpicked Hotels For You
-
When To Visit Vienna in 2026? Here’s When It Is Best Value
Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 01:07 pm Are you wondering when to visit Vienna? Like many cities it can become very busy at peak times which pushes up prices. Check out my guide to the weather and visitor numbers so you can find a great value time for your visit. When to Visit… Read More »When To Visit Vienna in 2026? Here’s When It Is Best Value
-
How to Get to Vienna in 2026: Flights, Trains & Buses
Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 01:03 pm Are you thinking of visiting Vienna? Do you want to know what the options are for getting there? Read on to check out all the options for flights, trains, buses and other routes 👇 You can check flights to Vienna right here 👇 How to Get… Read More »How to Get to Vienna in 2026: Flights, Trains & Buses
-
Is Vienna Safe? My Solo Female Traveller Experience
Last updated on November 1st, 2025 at 05:08 pm If you are wondering whether Vienna is safe then read on for my experience. Austria and Vienna are very safe countries to visit. That said it is always sensible to take normal precautions when visiting anywhere. Read on for everything you need to know 👇 Is… Read More »Is Vienna Safe? My Solo Female Traveller Experience
-
Is Vienna Expensive? Real Costs & Budget Guide 2026
Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 01:06 pm If you are wondering whether Vienna is expensive then read on to find out how it compares to other destinations. Overall I would say that Vienna provides good quality, and therefore good value. It isn’t cheap and that’s not a bad thing. Read on for how… Read More »Is Vienna Expensive? Real Costs & Budget Guide 2026
-
Best Western Plus Celebrity Suites Vienna: Apartment Review
Last updated on November 1st, 2025 at 05:13 pm Are you looking for somewhere to stay in Vienna? I stayed at the Best Western Plus Celebrity Suites Vienna because I wanted the convenience of a mini apartment combined with a good location near the river. My 2 night stay was £126 which I thought was… Read More »Best Western Plus Celebrity Suites Vienna: Apartment Review
-
Vienna Sightseeing Bus: Routes, Prices & Review 2026
Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 01:04 pm Thinking of taking the Vienna sightseeing bus? Here’s what you need to know, including costs, timings, routes and tips from me to help you get the most from your trip. Read on for all the details or check out bus ticket prices right here 👇 Vienna… Read More »Vienna Sightseeing Bus: Routes, Prices & Review 2026
-
Is Vienna Worth Visiting in 2026? OMG Yes – It’s Stunning
Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 01:09 pm Have you been thinking about whether to go to Vienna or not? Let me save you the trouble: yes, you should! Read on for what I loved about Vienna and why it should be on your travel list 👇 Is Vienna Worth Visiting? Vienna is a… Read More »Is Vienna Worth Visiting in 2026? OMG Yes – It’s Stunning
Austria
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page may earn me a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps keep my website going at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, I only recommend things I genuinely love! For more details, check out my cookie policy., editorial policy and privacy policy
My Recommended Essential Travel Gear List
Find all the items I use on every trip all in one place
My Social Media Links
More Resources
- Travel Inspiration – trip reports, reviews, and more to inspire your next trip
- Time Saving Travel Tools – all the things I use to research and plan my trips
- Airport Lounges – Everything you need to know including lots about Priority Pass
- Invergordon Cruise Port – all you need to know to help your plan your visit
- Independent Travel Agent – a huge timesaver. I specialise in touring holidays & river cruises
- About Melanie – background and travel experience
- About the Professional Traveller – what this website is all about
- Work with Me – details of the services I provide